Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Cairn Terrier Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Cairn Terrier and for the Lancashire Heeler. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cairn Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler.

Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are similar in size. The Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Cairn Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn Terrier to the Lancashire Heeler based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

Factor Cairn Terrier Lancashire Heeler
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1600 $200
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $200 – $200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Lancashire Heeler. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Lancashire Heeler. So, you should get the Cairn Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are most different:

  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    The Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are most similar:

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

    Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 years.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Lancashire Heelers.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Lancashire Heeler

    The average price of the Cairn Terrier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cairn Terrier typically ranges from $1475 – $1750. However, the price of a Cairn Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 132 Cairn Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of the Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Cairn Terrier Lancashire Heeler
    Average Price $1600 $200
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $200 to $200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cairn Terrier and Lancashire Heeler. For different price points, the charts show how many Cairn Terrier puppies or how many Lancashire Heeler puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cairn Terrier puppy or the Lancashire Heeler puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Lancashire Heeler

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cairn Terriers and many Lancashire Heelers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Cairn Terrier named A1134966 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cairn Terriers like A1134966 on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cairn Terriers, Lancashire Heelers are also available for adoption. For example, Badger is a Male Lancashire Heeler that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lancashire Heelers like Badger that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Riley Boy In Nv is the name of another Cairn Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Harvey is an adorable Male Lancashire Heeler on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cairn Terriers and Lancashire Heelers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cairn Terriers and Lancashire Heelers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Cairn Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cairn Terrier than for the Lancashire Heeler.

    4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in Lancashire Heelers.

    Cairn Terrier Health Problems

    Cairn Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cairn Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Cairn Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cairn Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Cairn Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cairn Terriers here.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

    Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lancashire Heelers for:

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Cairn Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Lancashire Heeler

    Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Cairn Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Lancashire Heelers?

    Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Lancashire Heelers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cairn Terrier:

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lancashire Heeler

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lancashire Heeler that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Lancashire Heeler:

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Lancashire Heeler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Lancashire Heeler to other breeds:

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Rottweiler     Cairn Terrier versus Cavapoo     Cairn Terrier versus Maltipoo     Cairn Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Cairn Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     Cairn Terrier versus Standard Poodle     Cairn Terrier versus Briard     Cairn Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Greyhound     Cairn Terrier versus Afador     Cairn Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Cairn Terrier versus Goldador     Cairn Terrier versus Rottweiler     Cairn Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Cairn Terrier versus Samoyed     Cairn Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Cairn Terrier versus Plott     Cairn Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Cairn Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Dutch Shepherd     Cairn Terrier versus Weimaraner     Cairn Terrier versus Lhasapoo     

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Doberman Pinscher     Lancashire Heeler versus Norwegian Lundehund     Lancashire Heeler versus Chinook     Lancashire Heeler versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Lancashire Heeler versus Cane Corso     Lancashire Heeler versus Akita Chow     Lancashire Heeler versus Mountain Cur     Lancashire Heeler versus Catahoula Bulldog     Lancashire Heeler versus Saint Berdoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Brittany     Lancashire Heeler versus American Eskimo Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Alaskan Malamute     Lancashire Heeler versus Scottish Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus English Toy Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Basset Hound     Lancashire Heeler versus Toy Fox Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Saint Berdoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Weimaraner     Lancashire Heeler versus American Eskimo Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Sussex Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Bull Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Affenhuahua     Lancashire Heeler versus Shichon     Lancashire Heeler versus Morkie     Lancashire Heeler versus Akita Chow     

    Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Cairn Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.